A routine stop at a gas station turned into a scene of gunplay Tuesday night when a Riverside Sheriff’s deputy encountered an armed suspect while refilling his squad car. The incident took place near Meridian Street and Florida Avenue in Hemet at approximately 10:38 p.m., as confirmed by the Riverside Sheriff's Department.
The deputy, who was on duty at the time, spotted the suspect wielding a handgun on the sidewalk. Acting under his training, the deputy issued commands to the suspect, who, without hesitation, continued to fiddle with the firearm. This led to a deputy-involved shooting, during which the officer managed to avoid injury. While the name of the deputy has been withheld, the suspect was promptly given medical attention and whisked away to a hospital for treatment.
Following department policy, the deputy has been placed on paid administrative leave. Riverside County District Attorney’s Office and the California Highway Patrol have taken the reins of the investigation. With it being classified as "active and ongoing," individuals in possession of details pertinent to the case have been urged to step forward.
Representatives from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office have called upon the community for support, asking anyone with information to reach out to Investigator Steven Cuevas of the California Highway Patrol or Master Investigator James Dickey at 951-955-2777. Meanwhile, on administrative leave, the deputy involved has yet to have their identity disclosed as per department policy.
